Narrow-profile lancing device

ABSTRACT

A lancing device having a substantially narrow profile housing, optionally configured for attachment in place of a battery cover of a blood-glucose testing meter. A miniature lancet has an oversized sterility cap with a T-shaped end for ease of handling and loading into a lancing device. A flattened portion of the sterility cap is angularly offset, for example generally perpendicular to, a flattened portion of the lancet body, such that twisting the sterility cap into alignment with the lancet body serves to detach the sterility cap from the lancet body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/667,958, filed Apr. 4, 2005; which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to lancing devices for medical sampling of blood or other body fluids of a human or animal subject. More particularly, the invention relates to a miniature lancing device having components arranged in a compact planar configuration allowing the device to have a narrow profile relative to typical lancing devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many medical procedures require puncturing of the skin, and sometimes underlying tissues, of an animal or human subject. For example, a sharp lancet tip is commonly used to puncture the subject's skin at a lancing site to obtain a sample of blood or other body fluid, as for example in blood glucose monitoring by diabetics and in blood typing and screening applications. A lancing device having a spring-loaded or otherwise energized drive mechanism is often used to carry the lancet along a path of travel, between a retracted or shielded position and an extended position wherein the lancet tip punctures the skin.

Various forms of lancing devices are known. Many users, however, have found known lancing devices to be too bulky and inconvenient to carry and stow in a pocket or bag. Also, some users find it inconvenient to carry multiple separate components for sampling and testing, such as a lancing device and a meter. Perceived inconvenience can lead to non-compliance with a prescribed testing regimen, potentially adversely affecting the subject's health.

Thus it can be seen that needs exist for improvements to lancing devices to provide a smaller and thinner lancing device. Needs further exist for a lancing device that can be attached to a blood glucose meter for convenience and to avoid loss. It is to the provision of an improved lancing device meeting these and other needs that the present invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In example forms, the present invention relates to a miniature lancing device having a thin profile, for easy and convenient stowage. Optionally, the lancing device is configured to be provided as an original component of, or to be attached as a retrofit component onto a glucose test meter. For example, an example embodiment of the invention is a miniature lancing device configured to be used in place of a battery compartment cover of a glucose test meter. This allows the device to be retrofitted on existing meters, or provided as original equipment on a new meter, thereby providing an integrated device.

In one aspect, the present invention is a lancing device, preferably including a housing having a narrow profile and a slotted opening through a proximal end thereof. The lancing device preferably also includes a lancet carrier translationally mounted to slide along a path of travel within the housing, and having a pair of engagement fingers for releasably receiving a lancet therebetween. The lancing device preferably also includes an energizing member translationally mounted to slide within a lengthwise channel in the housing, generally parallel to the path of travel of the lancet carrier. The lancing device preferably also includes a release member translationally mounted to slide within a transverse channel in the housing, generally perpendicular to the path of travel of the lancet carrier.

In another aspect, the invention is the combination of a body fluid testing meter having a battery cover opening, and a lancing device configured for engagement with the meter over the battery cover opening.

In still another aspect, the invention is a lancet, preferably including a body portion having a sharp lancing tip projecting therefrom, and along at least a portion of its length having a flattened profile with a first dimension substantially larger than a second dimension. The lancet preferably also includes a sterility cap detachable from the body portion, and along at least a portion of its length having a flattened profile with a first dimension substantially larger than a second dimension. Prior to detachment of the sterility cap from the body portion, the flattened profile portion of the sterility cap is unaligned with the flattened profile portion of the body portion.

In another aspect, the invention is a lancing device including a lancet carrier translationally mounted within a housing and movable along a path of travel between a retracted position and an extended position, at least one drive spring engaged between the lancet carrier and the housing, a charging mechanism for moving the lancet carrier into the retracted position and energizing the at least one drive spring, and a release mechanism for holding the lancet carrier in the retracted position until actuated to release the lancet carrier to move along the path of travel under the influence of the at least one drive spring toward the extended position. The lancet carrier, the at least one drive spring, the charging mechanism and the release mechanism are all intersected by a single reference plane containing the path of travel.

In another aspect, the invention is a lancing device having an overall thickness of less than 0.25″ (0.6 cm).

In another aspect, the invention is the combination of a blood glucose test meter having a battery compartment, and a lancing device for releasable coupling to the blood glucose test meter over the battery compartment.

In still another aspect, the invention is a lancing device including a housing having a slotted lancet opening with a first opening dimension greater than a second opening dimension thereof, and a lancet releasably engagable with said lancing device. The lancet has a lancet body with a sharp lancet tip projecting therefrom and a cap removably covering the sharp lancet tip. The lancet body has a first lancet body dimension less than the first opening dimension but greater than the second opening dimension, and has a second lancet body dimension less than the second opening dimension. In this manner, the lancet body resists rotation within the slotted lancet opening upon twisting of the cap to detach the cap from the lancet body.

And in another aspect, the invention is a lancet including a lancet body having a sharp lancet tip projecting therefrom, and a protective cap removably covering the sharp lancet tip. The protective cap includes a release member for releasing the lancet body from engagement with a lancing device.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of the invention are exemplary and explanatory of preferred embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lancing device according to an example form of the present invention, with an outer cover portion removed to show internal components thereof.

FIG. 2 shows the lancing device of FIG. 1 with its drive mechanism in an equilibrium position and receiving a lancet.

FIG. 3 shows the lancing device of FIG. 1 with the lancet engaged in the drive mechanism.

FIG. 4 shows the lancing device of FIG. 1 with the drive mechanism charged and the endcap of the lancet removed to expose the sharp lancet tip.

FIG. 5 shows the lancing device of FIG. 1 with its activation mechanism released, the drive mechanism in its forward or lancing position, and the tip of the lancet projecting outwardly from the device's lancet opening.

FIG. 6 shows the lancing device of FIG. 1 with the drive mechanism returned to its equilibrium position and the lancet tip retracted back into the device after lancing, and with a release member positioned for lancet removal.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the lancing device of FIG. 1 showing its narrow profile.

FIGS. 8 a-8 h show a lancing device and lancet according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 9 a-9 e show a lancing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 10 a-10 i show a lancing device and lancet according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 11 a-11 d show a lancing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows a lancing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 13 a-13 e show a lancing device according to another embodiment of the present invention, the lancing device being installed in place of a battery cover on a blood-glucose testing meter.

FIGS. 14 a-14 f show a lancing device according to another embodiment of the present invention, the lancing device being engaged onto a mounting clip installed in place of a battery cover on a blood-glucose testing meter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

With reference to FIGS. 1-7, an example form of a lancing device 10 according to the present invention is shown. A lancet holder or carrier 20 is translationally mounted within a housing 30. The housing 30 is shown in the attached drawing figures with its side cover panels removed to more clearly show internal components. The unshown cover panels are preferably attached by screws, rivets, crush-pins, snap-fittings, adhesive, solvent or thermal welding, or other attachment means, to substantially fully enclose the internal components of the device. Alternatively, the housing 30 is an integral component including the unshown side cover portions, for example formed as a single molding of plastic or other structurally stable material(s). The housing 30 preferably has a very compact, flat and slim exterior profile, for example having dimensions of about 0.125″ thick×1.85″ long×0.725″ high (0.3 cm×4.7 cm×1.8 cm) in one example embodiment. In preferred forms, the aspect ratio (height:thickness) of the device is at least 4:1, and more preferably at least 5:1. It is preferred that the overall thickness of the device be less than 0.25″ (0.6 cm), and more preferably less than 0.125″ (0.3 cm). The compact size and thin profile of the internal componentry of the lancing device of the present invention advantageously permit the device to be used as a standard or generic “core” or chassis platform for various different lancing device formats (i.e., lancing devices having distinct external appearances and geometries may have common internal workings in the form of the device described herein), facilitate easier and more convenient stowage and use, and allow the device to be mounted to a meter or other device without negatively impacting its utility or appearance in a significant manner.

The lancet carrier 20 preferably comprises a pair of resilient fingers or forks 22 for releasably engaging a miniature lancet 40. The lancet 40 is preferably inserted and removed through a slotted opening 32 in the proximal end of the housing 30. The slotted opening 32 has a length considerably greater than its width, most preferably having a length at least twice its width. The lancet carrier 20 preferably also comprises slots 24 and/or contact faces for receiving and/or engaging one or more drive springs 50 and/or one or more retraction springs 52 for advancing and retracting the lancet carrier along its path of travel within the housing 30 to carry the lancet along its lancing stroke. In the depicted embodiment, two drive springs 50 and one retraction spring 52 are included in the form of coil springs, positioned within separate slots extending generally parallel to one another within the carrier 20. In alternate embodiments, a single drive spring is provided, having a substantially greater stiffness than the return spring, and/or torsion springs, leaf springs, or other forms of drive mechanisms are provided. The drive and return springs 50, 52 are preferably captured in compression or otherwise engaged between the contact faces of the lancet carrier 20 and lugs 34 or other surface features, recesses or projections of the housing 30. The walls of the slots and the sidewalls of the housing assist in maintaining the various biasing springs of the lancing device aligned and in place.

An energizing or charging member 60 is preferably translationally mounted to slide within a lengthwise channel 36 in the housing 30, generally parallel to the path of travel of the lancet carrier 20. A gripping pad or surface 62 preferably projects from the energizing member 60, outwardly of the housing, to facilitate actuation by a user. A tooth or pawl 64 projects laterally from the energizing member 60, for engagement with a cooperating projection 26 or other surface feature of the lancet carrier 20. An energizing member return spring 66 is preferably engaged in compression between the energizing member 60 and the housing 30, to bias the energizing member 60 toward the proximal end of the lancing device.

A release member 70 is preferably translationally mounted to slide within a transverse channel 38 in the distal end of the housing 30, generally perpendicular to the path of travel of the lancet carrier 20. The release member 70 preferably includes a release button 72 projecting outwardly from the housing 30 to facilitate user actuation. A release member return spring 74 is preferably engaged in compression between the release member 70 and the housing 30, to bias the release member 70 in the direction of the release button 72. The release member 70 preferably also comprises a sear 76 or other surface feature for releasably engaging a cooperating portion of the lancet carrier 20, to retain the lancet carrier retracted in its energized position until released by the user actuating the release button 72. The lancet carrier 20, the energizing member 60, and the release member 70 are all preferably intersected by a single common reference plane R, are relatively thin in the direction normal to the reference plane, and have generally flat and contiguous side faces lying parallel to the reference plane. Additionally, the associated biasing members 50, 52, 66 and 74 preferably each have their axes of bias along the reference plane R or closely parallel thereto. And the line or path of travel of the lancet 40 preferably also lies in the reference plane R. The thin and planar arrangement of components in this manner allows the overall device 10 to be contained within a very compact and narrow-profile external housing, as seen in example form in FIG. 7.

The lancet 40 of the present invention preferably comprises a small and lightweight lancet body portion 42, preferably having a sharp lancet tip 43 projecting therefrom in the form of a metal needle or blade. Preferably, the lancet body 42 is a molded plastic member having a shank portion of the needle or blade 43 securely embedded therein. The lancet body 42 preferably has a flattened profile along at least a proximal portion of its length, having a first dimension (height) substantially larger than a second dimension (width), and configured to pass freely through the slotted opening 32 in the housing 30 when aligned therewith, but to prevent rotation of the lancet body within the slotted opening of the housing. Notches or recesses in the sides of the lancet body 42 are preferably provided to receive and releasably engage cooperating projections formed on the resilient fingers 22 of the lancet carrier 20. The lancet 40 preferably further comprises a removable sterility cap 44. The sterility cap 44 is preferably co-molded with the lancet body portion 42, and the two are connected at a narrow or notched neck portion for ease of separation upon removal of the sterility cap. The sterility cap 44 is preferably relatively large or oversized, as compared to the lancet body 42, to facilitate easier handling and loading of the lancet into the lancing device, which is of particular advantage to users having reduced visual acuity and/or reduced manual dexterity. The sterility cap 44 optionally has a flared or T-shaped configuration for better gripping during insertion of the lancet and removal of the cap. The sterility cap 44 preferably has a flattened profile along at least a distal portion of its length, generally matching the flattened profile of the proximal portion of the lancet body portion, but initially oriented generally perpendicularly or obliquely relative thereto. The sterility cap 44 preferably also has a release finger 46 projecting therefrom, to assist in release of a used lancet from the fingers or forks of the lancet carrier, as detailed below.

In use, the user loads a lancet 40 into the lancing device 10 by inserting the lancet body 42 into the slotted opening 32 of the housing, until the flattened profile of the lancet's sterility cap 44 contacts the proximal face of the housing 30, with the profile of the sterility cap being oriented generally crosswise to the slotted opening (FIG. 2). The sterility cap 44 is then twisted about 90°, while the lancet body is prevented from twisting due to its flattened profile being engaged within the slotted opening 32, thereby aligning the flattened profile of the cap with the slotted opening. This twisting of the sterility cap 44 serves to sever or detach the sterility cap from the lancet body 42 at the neck portion therebetween, and to loosen the attachment between the sterility cap and the lancet needle. The T-shaped configuration of the sterility cap 44 assists the user in gripping and twisting the cap in this manner. With the profile of the sterility cap 44 now aligned with the slotted opening 32 of the housing, the lancet 40 is inserted further into the housing, until the lancet body 42 snaps into engagement in the resilient fingers 22 of the lancet carrier (FIG. 3). The sterility cap 44 may then be removed, or can be left in place until the device is energized and ready for use.

The user then actuates the energizing member 60 by sliding the gripping pad 62 rearwardly, away from the end of the housing 30 having the slotted opening 32 therein. Engagement of the pawl 64 of the energizing member 60 with the projection 26 of the lancet carrier 20 as the energizing member is operated retracts the lancet carrier and energizes the drive springs 50. Alternatively, pushing the lancet further into the housing energizes the drive spring(s). As the lancet carrier 20 moves into its retracted position, the lancet carrier contacts an inclined surface of the sear 76 of the release member 70, depressing the release member against the bias of the release member return spring 74. Upon reaching its fully retracted position, the sear 76 of the release member 70 snaps upwardly into engagement with the lancet carrier 20 under the influence of the release member return spring 74, to retain the lancet carrier retracted in its energized position (FIG. 4). The user then releases the energizing member 60 to return to its forward position under the influence of the energizing member return spring 66.

The sterility cap 44 is removed, and the slotted proximal face of the housing is placed against the subject's skin at the intended lancing site. The user presses the release button 72 of the release member 70, releasing the sear 76 from engagement with the lancet carrier 20. The lancet carrier 20 is propelled forward into its advanced position under the influence of the drive springs 50, driving the sharp lancet tip through the slotted opening 32 and outwardly of the housing 30, to penetrate the subject's skin at the lancing site (FIG. 5). The lancet carrier 20 is then retracted under the influence of the retraction spring 52, to return the lancet tip into a shielded equilibrium position within the housing (FIG. 6).

After use, the lancet body 42 is preferably removed from the lancing device 10, for replacement with a fresh lancet for subsequent use. The release finger 46 of the sterility cap 44 is inserted into a hole 39 in the housing, extending between the forks 22 of the lancet carrier, and behind the lancet body 42 (FIG. 6). The lancet carrier 20 is then retracted out of engagement with the lancet body 42 by sliding the energizing member 60 rearwardly, causing the forks 22 to flex outwardly and release the lancet body, and the used lancet is discharged from the slotted opening 32 or otherwise removed from the device 10. In alternate forms, an integral removal member is provided for releasing the lancet from the carrier, for example comprising an internal finger selectively positionable between the forks 22 of the lancet carrier and behind the lancet body 42, and an external actuation button or lever.

One or more guides or limit members 28 are optionally provided on the lancet carrier 20, moving within one or more corresponding guide channels formed in the housing 30, to maintain transverse alignment of the lancet carrier (i.e., limiting up-and-down movement of the carrier and lancet perpendicular to the lancet stroke), and to provide a forward stop to limit the stroke of the lancet in the forward axial direction thereby more precisely controlling the depth of penetration of the lancet into the skin. The forks 22 of the lancet carrier 20 are preferably guided between a pair of retaining panels 35 at the proximal end of the housing adjacent the slotted opening 32 as the lancet carrier 20 moves into its advanced or lancing position, preventing the forks from spreading apart and potentially releasing the lancet 40 during the lancing operation (FIG. 5) and providing additional transverse guidance and stability. The retaining panels do not extend so far distally, however, as to interfere with the forks 22 spreading apart to receive or release the lancet 40 when the carrier 20 is positioned in its retracted or equilibrium positions. In preferred form, the lancet body 42 is of substantially the same thickness as the lancet carrier 20, and the lancet body and the lancet carrier are coplanarly aligned when the lancet is installed, so that lateral guidance (i.e., limiting side-to-side movement of the carrier and lancet perpendicular to the lancet stroke) and stability are provided to both the lancet and the carrier during the lancing stroke as a result of smoothly-sliding, low-friction, close interaction of the parts along the interior faces of the side panels of the housing 30. By utilizing the interior faces of the housing as lateral guidance features in this manner, the need for separate lateral guidance components is eliminated and a more compact and narrow profile is enabled (FIG. 7).

FIGS. 8 a-8 h show another example embodiment of a lancing device 110 and a lancet 140 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the endcap 144 of the lancet 140 comprises an inclined or curved removal surface 145, which acts as a wedge or cam when pushed into the lancet-removal opening 139, to release the lancet body 142 from the forks of the lancet carrier. Viewed from its end, the endcap 144 of the lancet 140 preferably has a generally T-shaped profile, with the removal surface 145 being positioned on the free end of its upright, and the lancet-removal opening 139 is preferably correspondingly T-shaped. In alternate embodiments, the endcap of the lancet comprises a wedge or pin, which is inserted through the lancet-removal opening, and the endcap is pivotally toggled to pry the spent lancet body from out of engagement with the forks of the lancet carrier.

Another example embodiment of a lancing device 210 according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. 9 a-9 e. In this embodiment, a detachable endcap 280 is provided at the proximal end of the housing 230. The endcap 280 is removed for access to insert a fresh lancet 240 into engagement with the lancet carrier, and/or to remove a spent lancet. The endcap 280 preferably comprises a proximal portion having a contact face defining the lancet opening 232, and at least one side panel portion extending distally therefrom to cover a cutout access portion of the housing 230 permitting lancet removal and insertion. The detachable endcap may be entirely removable from the remainder of the housing, or may be tethered or hingedly connected to the remainder of the housing to prevent loss.

In the example embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 10 a-10 i, the lancing device 310 comprises a housing 330 having a hinged access panel or door 380 providing access for removal and/or insertion of the lancet 340 to/from the lancet carrier 320. Additionally, a drive spring 350 and a return spring 352 are positioned within a single elongate slot formed in the lancet carrier 320, and are aligned coaxially with one another on opposite sides of a biasing lug 334 of the housing 330. This aligned spring configuration enables a housing geometry that is shorter in height than the parallel spring arrangement described above.

Another example embodiment of a lancing device 410 having a hinged access door 480 in the housing 430 is shown in FIGS. 11 a-11 d. In this embodiment, the inner face of the door 480 includes one or more clips 485 for retaining the lancet 440. A lancet 440 is installed into the device by placing the lancet body into the carrier 420 (FIG. 11A), or alternatively by engaging the lancet body with the clips 485 on the access door. The access door 480 is closed, and the device is operated in similar fashion to that described above. After use, removal of the spent lancet 440 is facilitated by the retention of the lancet on the access door 480 by the clips 485, such that the lancet may be more easily removed when the door is opened. The clips 485 optionally also provide lancet guidance.

FIG. 12 shows another example embodiment of a lancing device 510 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, a clip 590 containing a plurality of lancets, preferably in a stacked or sequential array, is provided. Actuation of the energizing member 562 preferably loads a fresh lancet for use and discharges a used lancet from the lancet carrier. The clip optionally includes a collection reservoir for used lancets, or alternatively used lancets are discharged from the device for external disposal. Other than the clip-feeding lancet mechanism, the remainder of the device 510 is substantially similar to that described above, having a housing 530 containing a translational lancet carrier and drive mechanism, a lancet opening 532 through which the lancet tip projects in its extended position, a charging or energizing mechanism actuated by the energizing member 562, and a release mechanism actuated by the release button 572.

Due to the compact size and narrow profile of example embodiments, the lancing device of the present invention is suitable for mounting or attachment to a blood glucose test meter or other device or carrier. Preferably, the lancing device of the present invention is mountable on or in place of a removable portion or component of the meter, removal or alteration of which does not negatively impact the meter's operation. For example, various forms of the invention can be mounted to or in place of the removable battery cover of a blood glucose test meter, such that the lancing device is carried with the meter for greater convenience and ease of use. The lancing device can be provided as original equipment as a detachable or integral part of a new meter, and/or can be provided as an upgrade or retrofit component for backwards-compatible attachment to an existing meter, such as for example the Bayer Ascensia Contour™ blood glucose meter sold by Bayer Healthcare LLC of Mishawaka, Ind.; the BD Logic Meter; the Lifescan OneTouch Ultra Meter, and/or the Abbott FreeStyle Flash Meter. The housing of the lancing device is preferably similar in size and shape to the battery cover of the particular blood-glucose testing meter to which it is intended to be mounted, and the narrow profile of the lancing device does not significantly alter the overall external geometry of the meter. The housing of the lancing device preferably comprises external surface features substantially conforming to the attachment clips, channels, tabs, slots and/or other corresponding coupling members of a battery cover, whereby the lancing device can be snapped or clipped onto a meter in place of the standard battery cover. Preferably, one or more of the actuator components and/or the lancet opening of the lancing device project beyond or adjacent the outer peripheral edges of the meter or other object to which the device is mounted, for easier access during use.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 13 a-13 e, the lancing device 610 is configured for attachment in place of a battery cover 682 of a blood glucose testing meter 680. The blood glucose testing meter 680 is preferably of standard form, having a slot 684 for receiving a test strip, a display 686, and one or more controls 688. The external geometry of the lancing device 610 generally matches the shape and size of the battery cover 682, and includes one or more coupling member(s) for coupling to the meter 680 substantially similar to the corresponding coupling member(s) of the battery cover. The lancet opening 632 preferably projects a small distance beyond the side edge of the meter, such that the user can readily place a finger or alternate lancing site against the contact face surrounding the lancet opening. And the energizing member 662 and release button 672 preferably also project a small distance beyond the outer periphery of the meter, for ease of access and use.

In an another example form of the present invention shown in FIGS. 14 a-14 f, the lancing device 710 is mountable into or onto a mounting clip 790 that replaces the standard battery cover 782 of a test meter 780. The mounting clip preferably has a geometry and coupling member configuration substantially similar to the original battery cover, and includes one or more fingers, fittings or other retention means for engaging cooperative elements of the lancing device 710 to permanently or removably secure the lancing device thereto. The lancet opening 732, the energizing member 762, and/or the release button 772 preferably project a distance beyond the back panel of the meter, for ease of access and use.

In other embodiments, the lancing device of the present invention is integrally formed with or mountable onto a meter elsewhere other than the battery cover, as by integral molding, adhesive attachment, snap-fitting connection or other attachment means. In further alternate embodiments, the lancing device of the present invention is integrally formed with or mountable onto a carrier other than a blood glucose meter. For example, the lancing device can comprise a clip allowing it to be mounted or attached onto a purse, belt or other item, similar to a pen, a tie-clip or a small pager. Alternatively or additionally, the lancing device includes a ring or loop for attachment to key-ring or other object, in similar fashion to a key-fob.

While the invention has been described with reference to preferred and example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims. 

1. A lancing device comprising: a lancet carrier translationally mounted within a housing and movable along a path of travel between a retracted position and an extended position; at least one drive spring engaged between the lancet carrier and the housing; a charging mechanism for moving the lancet carrier into the retracted position and energizing the at least one drive spring; and a release mechanism for holding the lancet carrier in the retracted position until actuated to release the lancet carrier to move along the path of travel under the influence of the at least one drive spring toward the extended position; wherein the lancet carrier, the at least one drive spring, the charging mechanism and the release mechanism are all intersected by a reference plane containing the path of travel.
 2. The lancing device of claim 1, wherein each drive spring is positioned within a slot formed in the lancet carrier.
 3. The lancing device of claim 2, further comprising a return spring positioned within a slot formed in the lancet carrier.
 4. The lancing device of claim 3, wherein the return spring and each drive spring are positioned within separate slots formed in the lancet carrier.
 5. The lancing device of claim 1, wherein the housing has an overall thickness of less than 0.25″ (0.6 cm).
 6. The lancing device of claim 1, wherein the housing has an overall thickness of less than 0.125″ (0.3 cm).
 7. The lancing device of claim 1, wherein the housing has a height to thickness aspect ratio of at least 4:1.
 8. The lancing device of claim 1, wherein the housing has a height to thickness aspect ratio of at least 5:1.
 9. The lancing device of claim 1, wherein the housing couples to a blood glucose test meter in place of a battery cover component thereof.
 10. The lancing device of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a slotted lancet opening having a length dimension considerably greater than a width dimension.
 11. The lancing device of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises first and second side walls having internal faces in sliding contact, respectively, with first and second sides of the lancet carrier to provide lateral guidance of the lancet carrier along the path of travel.
 12. The lancing device of claim 1, further comprising a lancet releasably engaged between opposed forks of the lancet carrier.
 13. The lancing device of claim 12, wherein the housing comprises retaining panels at a proximal end thereof to prevent the forks from spreading apart and releasing the lancet as the lancet carrier moves into the extended position.
 14. The lancing device of claim 12, wherein the lancet has a lancet body with a thickness equal to a thickness of the lancet carrier.
 15. The lancing device of claim 12, wherein the housing has a lancet-removal opening through a sidewall portion thereof, whereby a lancet removal member inserted through the lancet-removal opening projects between the opposed forks of the lancet carrier and behind the lancet.
 16. The lancing device of claim 1, wherein the housing has a detachable endcap for accessing the lancet carrier to install a lancet therein.
 17. The lancing device of claim 1, wherein the housing has a hinged cover for accessing the lancet carrier to install a lancet therein.
 18. The lancing device of claim 17, wherein the hinged cover has at least one clip for retaining the lancet upon opening the hinged cover.
 19. The lancing device of claim 1, further comprising a clip containing a plurality of lancets for sequential loading into the lancet carrier.
 20. A lancing device having an overall thickness of less than 0.25″ (0.6 cm).
 21. The lancing device of claim 20, having an overall thickness of less than 0.125″ (0.3 cm).
 22. The lancing device of claim 20, having a height to thickness aspect ratio of at least 4:1.
 23. The lancing device of claim 20, having a height to thickness aspect ratio of at least 5:1.
 24. The lancing device of claim 20, comprising at least one coupling for attachment in place of a battery cover of a blood glucose test meter.
 25. In combination, a blood glucose test meter comprising a battery compartment, and a lancing device for releasable coupling to the blood glucose test meter over the battery compartment.
 26. The combination of claim 25, wherein the lancing device releasably couples directly to the blood glucose test meter over the battery compartment.
 27. The combination of claim 25, wherein the lancing device is mounted to a mounting clip releasably coupled to the blood glucose test meter over the battery compartment.
 28. A lancing device comprising a housing having a slotted lancet opening with a first opening dimension greater than a second opening dimension thereof, and a lancet releasably engagable with said lancing device; said lancet having a lancet body with a sharp lancet tip projecting therefrom and a cap removably covering the sharp lancet tip; wherein the lancet body has a first lancet body dimension less than the first opening dimension but greater than the second opening dimension, and has a second lancet body dimension less than the second opening dimension; whereby the lancet body resists rotation within the slotted lancet opening upon twisting of the cap to detach the cap from the lancet body.
 29. The lancing device of claim 28, wherein at least a portion of the cap has a flattened profile initially unaligned with an adjacent flattened profile portion of the lancet body.
 30. The lancing device of claim 28, wherein the removable cap has a flared gripping portion.
 31. The lancing device of claim 28, wherein the removable cap comprises a release finger portion for insertion into the housing to release the lancet from engagement with the lancing device.
 32. The lancing device of claim 31, wherein the release finger portion of the cap comprises an inclined removal surface.
 33. A lancet comprising a lancet body having a sharp lancet tip projecting therefrom, and a protective cap removably covering the sharp lancet tip, said protective cap comprising a release member for releasing the lancet body from engagement with a lancing device.
 34. The lancet of claim 33, wherein the protective cap has a generally T-shaped profile.
 35. The lancet of claim 33, wherein the release member comprises a release finger projecting axially from a flared end of the protective cap.
 36. The lancet of claim 33, wherein the release member comprises an inclined surface projecting laterally from the protective cap. 